Swisher 97-056001 User manual

MODELNO.
All AZ Series
Models from
Serial #
97-056001
OWNER’S
MANUAL
Assembly
Operation
Service and Adjustment
Repair Parts
ZeroTurn
Riding Mowers
P.O. BOX 67, WARRENSBURG, MISSOURI 64093 PHONE [phone] FAX [phone] Made In The
USA
!CAUTION:
Manufacturing quality lawn care equipment since 1945
Read and follow all
Safety Rules and
Instructions Before
Operating This
Equipment
Rev. 12.01.1997

Dear Valued Customer:
All of us at our plant in Warrensburg, Missouri, are delighted that youve chosen to purchase a S isher Zero
Turn Radius Mo er. We kno that you ill enjoy years of trouble free service and ill save time and money
by using our products. We regularly receive letters from satisfied riding mo er customers ho are still using
S isher mo ers they purchased 20, even 25 years ago!
American-Made S isher mo ers feature rugged all-steel construction, and include 1/8 inch elded steel mo er
decks. S isher mo er decks are individually fabricated, therefore far more durable than stamped steel decks
commonly found on other mo ers. In addition to unsurpassed durability, their unique patented steering pro-
vides maximum maneuverability ith time saving, zero-turning radius capability.
Founded a half-century ago, S isher is a family-o ned and operated company dedicated to quality and prod-
uct innovation. We designed and introduced the first zero-turning radius alk-behind mo er in 1945, and the
first zero-turning radius riding mo er in 1955...long before most other mo er manufacturers began business.
Our innovations have continued ith popularizing the to ing mo er concept, solar-automated composters,
rotisserie outdoor cooking and much more!
Please take the time to familiarize yourself ith this o ners manual paying special attention to the safety
precautions, the operation and the maintenance of your ne riding mo er.
We appreciate the trust you have placed in our company and our product. Thank you for your business.
Sincerely,
O. Wayne S isher
President,
S isher Mo er and Machine Co., Inc.
Proven Performance Since 1945
Phone [phone]
Toll Free [phone]
FAX [phone]
Swisher Mower & Machine Co. Inc.
P.O. Box 67
Warrens urg, MO 64093

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Rules ............................................................................................... 2
Safety /Operational Decals ........................................................................ 4
Asse bly .................................................................................................... 6
Your New Mower....................................................................................... 8
Before Starting Engine - Frist Ti e .......................................................... 8
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 10
Adjust ents/Lubrication ......................................................................... 11
Storing ...................................................................................................... 12
Repairs ...................................................................................................... 12
Mulching Mower ..................................................................................... 14
Sweeper/Collector .................................................................................... 14
Brush Adjust ents ................................................................................... 15
Bag and Brush Replace ent.................................................................... 15
Mower Installation ................................................................................... 16
Belt Housing Illustration ......................................................................... 17
Two Speed Pulley Illustration.................................................................. 18
Variable Speed Pulley Illustration ........................................................... 19
Height Adjust ent Illustration ................................................................ 20
Blade Drive Asse bly Illustration .......................................................... 21
Traction Asse bly Illustration ................................................................ 22
Two Speed Pulley Asse bly Illustration................................................. 23
Mulcher Mower Asse bly Illustration ................................................... 24
Wiring Diagra Illustration..................................................................... 25
Replace ent Parts .................................................................................... 26

2
SAFETYRULES
Safety Operation Practices for Riding Mo ers
IMPORTANT: THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS
CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND
FEET, AND THROWING OBJECTS. FAILURE
TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.
I. GENERAL OPERATION
 Read, understand, and follo all instructions in
the manual and on the machine before starting.
 Read this operators manual carefully. Become
familiar ith the controls and kno ho to
operate your mo er properly.
 Only allo responsible adults, ho are familiar
ith the instructions, to operate the machine.
 Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys,
ire, etc. hich could be picked up and thro n
by the blade.
 Be sure the area is clear of other people before
mo ing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
 Never carry passengers.
 Do not mo in reverse unless absolutely
necessary. Al ays look do n and behind before
and hile backing.
 Be a are of the mo er discharge direction and
do not point it at anyone. Do not operate the
mo er ithout the guards in place.
 Slo do n before turning.
 Never leave a running machine unattended.
Al ays turn off blades, and stop engine.
 Turn off blades hen not mo ing.
 Mo only in daylight or good artificial light.
 Do not operate the machine hile under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
 Watch for traffic hen operating near or crossing
road ays.
 Use extra care hen loading or unloading the
machine into a trailer or truck.
 Disengage po er to mo er, stop engine hen
transporting or not in use.
 Exercise special care hen mo ing around fixed
objects in order to prevent the blades from
striking them. Never deliberately run tractor or
mo er onto or over any foreign object.
 Use mo er only as the manufacturer intended
and as described in the manual.
 Do not operate mo er if it has been dropped or
damaged in any manner. Al ays have damage
repaired before using your mo er.
 Al ays ear safety glasses or eye shields hen
starting and hile using your mo er.
 Dress properly. Do not operate mo er hen
barefoot or earing open sandals. Wear only solid
shoes ith good traction hen mo ing.
 Al ays make cutting height adjustments before
starting your mo er. Never attempt to do this hile
the engine is running.
 Keep your eyes and mind on your mo er and the
area being cut.
 Do not let other interests distract you.
 Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts. Keep clear of the discharge opening at all
times.
 Before cleaning, inspecting, or repairing your
mo er, stop the engine and make absolutely sure
the blade and all moving parts have stopped. Then
disconnect the spark plug ire and keep it a ay
from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
 Do not operate your mo er if it vibrates
abnormally. Excessive vibration is an indication of
damage; stop the engine, safely check for the cause
of vibration and repair as required.
 Never operate your mo er ithout proper guards,
plates, or other safety devices in place.
II. SLOPE OPERATION
Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and
tipover accidents, hich can result in severe injury or
death. All slopes requires extra caution. If you feel
uneasy on it, do not mo it.
Look for this symbol to point out important
safety precautions. It means CAUTION!!!
BECOME ALERT!!! YOUR SAFETY IS
INVOLVED!!!
!
CAUTION:
ALWAYS DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG
WIRE AND PLACE IT WHERE IT
CANNOT CONTACT SPARK PLUG IN
ORDER TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL
STARTING WHEN SETTING UP,
TRANSPORTING, ADJUSTING OR
MAKING REPAIRS.
!

3
 Keep all movement on the slopes slo and
gradual. Do not make sudden changes in
speed or direction.
 Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If tires
lose traction, disengage the blades and
proceed slo ly straight do n the slope.
DO NOT:
 Do not turn on slopes unless necessary, and
then, turn slo ly and gradually do nhill, if
possible.
 Do not mo near drop-offs, ditches, or
embankments. The mo er could suddenly
turn over if a heel is over the edge of a cliff
or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
 Do not mo on et grass. Reduced traction
could cause sliding.
III. CHILDREN
 Keep children out of the mo ing area and
under the atchful care of another
responsible adult.
 Be alert and turn machine off if children
enter the area.
 Before and hen backing, look behind and
do n for small children.
 Never carry children. They may fall off and be
seriously injured or interfere ith safe machine
operation.
 Never allo children to operate the machine.
 Use extra care hen approaching blind corners,
shrubs, trees, or other objects that may obscure
vision.
IV. SERVICE
 Use extra care handling gasoline and other
fuels. They are flammable and vapors are
explosive.
- Use only an approved container.
- Never remove gas cap or add fuel ith the
engine running.
- Allo engine to cool before refueling. Do
not smoke.
- Never refuel the machine indoors.
- Never store the machine or fuel container
inside here there is an open flame, such
as a ater heater.
 Never run a machine inside a closed area.
 Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment
nuts, tight and keep equipment in good condition.
 Never tamper ith safety devices. Check their
proper operation regularly.
 Keep machine free of grass leaves, or other debris
build-up. Clean oil or fuel spillage. Allo machine
to cool before storing.
 Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an
object. Repair, if necessary, before restarting.
 Never make adjustments or repairs ith the engine
running.
 Mo er blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades(s) or ear gloves, and use extra caution hen
servicing them.
DO:
 Mo up and do n slopes.
 Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree
limbs, etc.
 Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps. Uneven
terrain could overturn the machine. Tall
grass can hide obstacles.
 Use slo speed. Choose a lo gear so
that you ill not have to stop or shift hile
on the slope.
CAUTION:
TRAGIC ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR IF
THE OPERATOR IS NOT ALERT TO
THE PRESENCE OF CHILDREN.
CHILDREN ARE OFTEN ATTRACTED
TO THE MACHINEAND THE MOWING
ACTIVITY. NEVER ASSUME THAT
CHILDREN WILL REMAIN WHERE YOU
LAST SAW THEM.
!

4
SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL DECALS
Replace decal immediately if damaged. Order by part number from
Swisher Mower and Machine Co. Inc.
WARNING
!
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN OCCUR
- MOVING PARTS - SHARP BLADES - THROWN OBJECTS - POSSIBILITY OF ROLL OVER -
• GO UP AND DOWN SLOPES, NOT ACROSS.
• AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, SUDDEN CHANGES IN DIRECTION, SUDDEN CHANGES IN SPEED.
• IF MACHINE STOPS GOING UPHILL, STOP BLADE AND BACK SLOWLY DOWN.
• BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS ON ALL SLOPES AND UNEVEN SURFACES.
• DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR OTHERS ARE AROUND.
• NEVER CARRY CHILDREN OR OTHERS AS PASSENGERS.
• LOOK DOWN AND BEHIND BEFORE AND WHILE BACKING.
• KEEP SAFETY DEVICES (GUARDS, SHIELDS, AND SWITCHES) IN PLACE AND WORKING.
• REMOVE OBJECTS THAT COULD BE THROWN BY THE BLADE.
• KNOW SAFE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE STARTING ENGINE.
- READ OPERATORS GUIDE FIRST -
DANGER
!
SPINNING BLADE
KEEP CLEAR
CONTACT CAN INJURE

5

6
IMPORTANT! - READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING MOWER
Be sure to check your new Swisher Riding Mower for shipping damage before beginning assembly.
These parts are packaged with your new mower.
The following tools are needed for assembling your new Swisher Riding Mower:
- Steering Wheel - includes one (1) 1/4-20 x 1/2 bolt, washer and cap plug
- Seat - includes two (2) /8 - 16 x /4 bolts, washers, nuts
- Grass Chute ( for non-mulching mowers) with bolt, nut and spring
- Wheels
- Cotter Pins
Safety Glasses
1/2” box wrench
2 - 7/16” box wrenches
7/16” socket and ratchet
5/32” hex key wrench
ASSEMBLY
To assemble your new mower, complete ALL of the following steps.
Align the key in the steering wheel hub
with the slot in the end of the steering shaft
and press down.
Use a hex key wrench to install and tighten
the set screws on the side of the steering
hub.
Insert the 1/4-20 x 1/2” long bolt and
washer into the steering hub.
Tighten the bolt until snug. Do not over-
tighten
Install the cap plug to cover the bolt and
washer.
1. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL
•
•
•
•
•
Inserttheaxlethroughthehubofthewheel
with the valve stem facing away from the
mower. (Be sure to place the supplied
spacers between the surface of the axle
weldmentandthehubtopreventthetire
from rubbing the weldment.)
With the wheel in position, insert a cotter
pin in the hole on the end of the axle. Use
pliers to spread the ends of the cotter pin
to retain the wheel in position. Repeat this
process for the other side.
Important - Do not forget to spread the
ends of the cotter pins to keep wheel as-
sembly in place.
1. INSTALLING THE WHEELS



7
3. CHECKING THE ENGINE
The engine has been serviced prior to ship-
ment. However, it is important to check
the oil level prior to starting the engine.
If more oil is required, follow the engine
manufacturer recommendations. Be
careful not to overfill.
IMPORTANT! GASOLINE SHOULD
BE ADDED OUTSIDE IN
A WELL VENTILATED AREA.
Add approximately one gallon of fuel to
the tank. Be certain to follo the engine
manufacturers recommendations on the
type of fuel to use.
The gearbox is filled ith lubricant at the
factory. Ho ever, verify that the gearbox
is filled by removing the Oil Check Plug
(Part #T143P) located on the side of the
gearbox.
The lubricant should be level ith the oil
check plug opening.
If you need to add lubricant, use ONLY
TR125L, hich is specially blended by
S isher Mo er and Machine Company.
4. ADD GASOLINE
5. CHECKING GEARBOX LUBRICANT
The seat should be installed using the t o
(2) bolts and lock nuts supplied.
Attach the iring from the mo er to the
seat safety s itch. Important! The wir-
ing must be connected to the seat safety
switch for the mower to operate.
On 12 volt models: attach green ires
and the bro n ires to the t o (2) remain-
ing positions on the safety s itch.
On non-l2 volt models: attach the t o
(2) bro n ires to the safety s itch.
The order of ire attachment or position
does not matter.
Attach the grass chute using the bolt, nut
and spring supplied. Important! Do Not
operatewithoutthegrasschuteinplace!
6. INSTALLING THE SEAT
7. INSTALLING THE GRASS CHUTE (for
non-mulching mo ers only)













Check fuel and oil levels.
Make sure the Drive Control and Blade Clutch
Levers are pulled back and disengaged. Make sure
your foot is off the pedal.
Once engine is started, become familiar ith the
steering and maneuvering of the mo er before
engaging the blades.
The Lock Pin Lever (TR148L) should al ays be
engaged (flat against the heel) BEFORE start-
ing the engine. To move the mower when en-
gine is not running, the Lock Pin Lever
(TR148L) must be disengaged.
Do not engage pin when engine is running. The
Lock Pin Lever (TR148L), located opposite the
8
BECOMINGFAMILIARWITHYOURNEWSWISHERMOWER
Select an open area ith no obstructions to complete the follo ing steps hich ill help you familiarize
yourself ith the location and movement of the mo er controls. The engine SHOULD NOT be running as you
familiarize yourself ith these controls.
RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES OF MOWER ARE DETERMINED BY SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.
OPERATOR POSITION
REAR
BESURETOREADTHISSECTIONBEFORESTARTINGTHE
ENGINEFORTHEFIRSTTIME
FRONT
DRIVEENGAGEMENTPIN:





chain on the front heel, is engaged hen it is
resting flat against the front heel.
The motion of the mo er is controlled by the
Drive Clutch Lever (AZ125) located just be-
lo the steering heel, on the left side.
To engage the drive, start the engine.
Push the Drive Clutch Lever (AZ125), hich
is located on the left side of the steering heel,
for ard. The mo er ill BEGIN MOVING
FORWARD IN THE DIRECTION THE
FRONT TIRE IS POINTED.
ENGAGINGTHEDRIVE:
Hand-Operated/Two-speedDrive:
(all models begin withAZ2)



RIGHT
LEFT








9
To disengage the drive, pull the Drive Clutch Le-
ver (AZ125) back.
The lever on the right side of the steering heel
controls ground speed:
Low Speed: place the lever in the lo er position
closest to the operator. This speed is excellent for
trimming and maneuvering in tight places.
High Speed: push the lever for ard (a ay from)
the operator. This speed is used for mo ing large
open areas.
To engage the drive, press your foot against the
pedal. The speed of the mo er is regulated by
the amount of pressure against the foot pedal.
The mo er automatically stops and brakes hen
you lift your foot off the pedal.
The abruptness of the stop depends on ho quickly
you take your foot off the pedal.
To engage the blades, move the lever to ard the
front of the mo er.
To disengage the blades, pull the lever to ard the
rear of the mo er.
ENGAGINGTHEBLADES:
Foot-PedalOperated:
(all models begin withAZV)


The Blade Clutch (BR20AZ) is located on the left
side below the seat.
Reverse directions by simply turning the front
heel in the direction you ant to go.
To reverse directions in tight areas, pull back the
Drive Control Lever (AT125) to stop the mo er.
Then turn the steering heel 180 degrees (in the
opposite direction). Engage the Drive Lever once
again.
S ishers patented front heel drive steering
mechanism provides 360 degrees of maneuverability.
THEZERO-TURNINGRADIUS
QUICKCHANGEMULCHING
MOWER:
WARNING!
ALWAYSSTOPENGINEANDDISCONNECT
SPARKPLUGWIREBEFOREOPENINGOR
CLOSING MULCHING CHUTE!
To use as a side-discharge mower:
To use as a mulching mower:
T ist knob to unlock chute, let chute open and
then t ist knob to lock chute.
T ist knob, push chute closed and t ist knob again
to lock.
Changing from low speed to high speed or from
high speed to low speed can be done without
disengaging the drive.

NEVERADDGASOLINETOAHOTEN-
GINE-ALLOWENGINETOCOOLBE-
FOREADDINGGASOLINE.
10
MOWERMAINTENANCE
Make sure your mower is in safe working condition by keeping the following guidelines in mind every time you use
your mower.
Keep mo er in good operating condition and keep
safety guards, shields and s itches in place. DO
NOT operate mo er if any of these devices are
missing.
Check all nuts, bolts and scre s for secure fit to
keep equipment in safe orking condition. Make
adjustments as necessary.
To reduce fire hazards, keep engine free of grass,
leaves or excessive grease.
DO NOT operate mo er ith damaged or miss-
ing muffler. DO NOT tamper ith exhaust sys-
tem; this may create a fire hazard.
DONOT operate engine if air cleaner or the cover
directly over the carburetor air intake is removed.
Removal of these parts could create a fire hazard.
Disconnect the battery before repairing the mo er.
Before cleaning, making adjustments or repairing
mo er, STOP engine and disconnect the Spark
Plug Wire. ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL.







To ensure the most even grass cut, keep the tire
pressure at 35 psi (pounds per square inch).
Handle gasoline ith care. DO NOT smoke or
use open flame near gasoline. Use only approved
gasoline containers. Never fuel or run mo er in
poorly ventilated area, such as a garage or utility
building.
Al ays replace fuel tank cap. Be sure to clean up
any spilled gasoline.
Do not change the engine governor settings or
overspeed the engine; severe injury or damage
may result.
Never store mo er, ith gasoline in the tank, in-
side a building here flames may reach an open
flame or spark. Al ays allo engine to cool be-
fore storing.






11
ADJUSTMENTSANDROUTINESERVICING
WARNING - ALWAYS STOP ENGINE AND DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE
AND BATTERY BEFORE MAKING ADJUSTMENTS OR SERVICING MOWER!
CUTTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT:
•Turn Height Adjustment Crank (H7N)
Clock ise to raise the blade
Counter-Clock ise to lo er the blade.
BLADE SHARPENING:
 Remove Blade Nut (B108) from Blade Shaft (B100).
 Remove blades (B32S and B32L) and the appropriate Blade Spacers (B101, B102 and/or B103).
Note the position of the spacers.
 Sharpen the blades.
 When reassembling, make certain that blade spacers are positioned so blade is still under mo ing deck.
 Replace the old Blade Nut (B108) ith a ne one. Make certain the nut and asher are tightened to a minimum
of 95 foot pounds.
LUBRICATION:
Wheel Bearings - Lubricate the Rear Wheel Bearings three times a year by putting a fe drops of standard 30 eight
engine oil on each Wheel Bearing (F157B).
Blade Bearings - These bearings are sealed and do NOT require additional lubrication.
Gear Box - Located on the drive unit. After every t enty hours of operation, check the oil level by using the Oil
Check Plug (T143P) located on the front side of the Gear Box. The oil should be level ith the Oil Check Plug. Use
only SWISHER Gear Oil (TR124L).
Seat Spring Rods (A153) - Lubricate ith gun grease or petroleum jelly once a year.
Engine - Refer to your engine manual for engine lubrication care.
BELTS:
Occasionally check belts for ear. A orn belt should be replaced. See REPAIR (page 12) section for instructions.

12
Disconnect Spark Plug Wire
 Drain the fuel.
 Drain the oil and refill the crankcase ith clean
oil.
 Clean your mo er. Brush off matted clippings
and caked-on dirt. Use a ire brush to clean
the underside of la n mo er. Use a cloth to
ipe a ay debris from the upper deck. If
available, use an air compressor to blo thatch
and dirt from hard to reach places.
STORINGYOURMOWER
Preparing your mo er for storage in the fall ill result in better operation and a longer life in the spring. It ill
allo you plenty of time to order parts, make the needed repairs and check for proper operation before the
equipment is needed again in the spring. Parts may be obtained from your S isher dealer or you may call our
factory at 800-222-8183 to order parts. The follo ing procedures ill help you store your mo er in a proper
manner.
 Tighten all nuts, bolts and scre s; replace any
that are missing.
 Sharpen blades. If the blades are orn, re-
place ith ne ones.
 Check the tires for cuts and proper air pres-
sure. Replace if needed.
 Store mo er indoors in a garage, tool shed or
barn. If you must store outdoors, cover ith
plastic or some other protective covering.
 Consult your engine manual for recommended
inter storage preparations.
REPAIRS
WARNING - ALWAYS STOP ENGINE AND DISCONNECT BATTERY AND
SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE MAKING REPAIRS ON MOWER!
REPLACING THE BLADE BELT:
 Remove left and right mo er deck belt shields
from mo er by removing the Acorn Nut
(FR154N) found on the upper deck platforms.
 Release tension on the belt by moving the Idler
Control Lever (BR120) to ard the rear of the
mo er
 Carefully remove Blade Belt (BA50) from
engine and Blade Drive Pulleys, observing the
belt path and position. See Belt Routing dia-
gram.
 Install ne Blade Belt in same position. (You
may find the belt path illustration in this
manual helpful hen inserting the ne belt.)
Hint: It is normal for the ne belt to fit tighter
than the orn belt. Therefore, to make instal-
lation easier, al ays install the ne belt over
the Blade Pulleys before installing it over the
movable Idler Pulley (B527).
 Once installed, the Blade Belt should not slip
on pulleys hen Idler Control Rod is disen-
gaged.

13
 If the Belt slips or blades turn, first verify that
you are using a genuine S isher Blade Belt
(BA50).
 Check belt for correct positioning around pul-
leys. If the Belt is still not fitting properly, the
Idler Control Rod (B25RAZ) may need to be
adjusted by loosening the belt. Tighten the
t o nuts so that they scre TOWARD the
mo er.
 Reinstall belt shield and acorn nut and ash-
ers after completing installation and adjust-
ments.
REPLACING THE TRACTION DRIVE
BELT:
If drive belt slips, makes noise or does not allo
travel of the mo er, check the follo ing:
 Inspect the condition of the belt and replace
if frayed, cracked, excessively orn or dam-
aged.
 Inspect the condition of the Idler Control
Spring (682S) on variable speed units or Belt
Engage spring (T30S) on t o speed units.
Replace the spring if needed.
REPLACING THE VARIABLE SPEED
BELT:
 Remove steering heel and throttle control
knob.
 Remove hood (AZ154) and recoil shroud.
 Loosen or remove brake (T39CB).
 Replace old belt ith genuine S isher belt
(T39).
 Reinstall all parts.
 Check all parts to make sure there is no inter-
ference and that unit operates properly.
REPLACINGTWOSPEEDBELT:
 Remove steering heel throttle control knob and
engagement levers.
 Remove hood (AZ154) and recoil shroud
 Remove gas tank mounting bracket.
 Remove belt cage (AZ32C).
 Remove both t o speed belts (T223).
 Shift to lo speed.
 Lift fingers on Idler Arms (T239V and
T239L).
 Slip belt under Idler Pulley and off of Drive
Pulleys.
 Change to high speed.
 Slip belt over Idler Pulley and off of Drive
Pulleys.
 Remove Traction Belt (BA50), replace.
 Reassemble all parts in reverse order.
 Check all parts to make sure there is no interfer-
ence and that unit operates properly.

14
MULCHINGMOWERS
(Models ending in M)
To adjust your mo er for mulching, make sure your
discharge chute is closed so grass clippings cannot
escape and may be cut several times. To close the
chute, slide the chute TOWARD the mo ing deck and
tighten the knob.
Your S isher Mulching Mo er has the built-in flex-
ibility to convert into a regular side discharge mo er
ithin seconds. When grass has gro n too tall for
mulching, you should use the side-discharge feature.
ChangefromMulchingMowertoSide
Discharge Feature:
WARNING! ALWAYS REMEMBER TO
TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE AND
BLADES BEFORE OPENING OR CLOS-
ING THE SIDE CHUTE!
 Open the quick-change chute by unscre ing the
knob located on the right side of the mo er deck.
(The chute is spring loaded and ill open gently.)
 After mo ing ith the chute open, close the chute
and make another pass over the grass clippings in
order to mulch them into fine clippings.
HINTS FOR EFFECTIVE MULCHING:
The key to effective mulching is to MOW OFTEN.
Grass hich has gro n abnormally long cannot be
mulched properly; attempting to mulch grass hich
is too long ill result ith the grass clippings clump-
ing and leaving your la n a mess.
It is important for the health of your la n to insure
you do NOT cut your grass too short. Cutting the
grass less than one inch can eaken the grass and in-
creases the possibility of eeds and pests injuring your
la n.
SWEEPER/COLLECTOR
MOWERS
(Models ending in S)
The S eeper Mo er can provide a manicured fin-
ish for your la n if properly used. To obtain the
best results possible, you should consider the
height, type and condition of your grass and the
speed at hich you mo . Remember, the s eeper
mechanism is automatically engaged any time the
blades are engaged.
MOWING HINTS - As ith all collecting sys-
tems, your S eeper ill achieve maximum effi-
ciency if you do not allo the grass to gro too
high. Mo ing regularly ill not only enhance the
appearance of your la n, but ill reduce the num-
ber of times you need to empty the collector.
After the initial mo ing ith this mo er, you may
notice areas of grass that appear to be cut unevenly.
As grass undergro th usually gro s out ard in-
stead of up ard, the S eeper must lift the grass
blades before cutting. A second mo ing of the
uneven areas should help the appearance. Regu-
lar mo ing ith your S eeper Mo er ill help
prevent undergro th from reestablishing; this ill
encourage a thicker and healthier la n.
STRIPING - You can achieve the same strip-
ing for your la n ith your S isher Mo er as
the professionals do on baseball fields or golf
courses. To do this, mo in a back and forth man-
ner - cutting in the opposite direction and directly
against the previously mo ed path. The brushes
s eep the grass of alternate paths in opposite di-
rections.
POSITIONING AND REMOVING
COLLECTOR - When placing the collector on
the mo er, lift the deflector covering to the rear
discharge opening of the mo er and place the arms
of the collector securely into the respective slots.
The collector is easily removed for storage or for
mo ing ithout the collector; simply lift the arms
of the collector simultaneously out of the slots.
Make certain the deflector shield covers the rear
discharge opening of the mo er after removing
the bag.

15
EMPTYINGTHECOLLECTOR-BESURETODIS-
ENGAGE BLADES AND STOP ENGINE BEFORE
EMPTYINGTHECOLLECTOR!
To empty the collector, pull the rear support bar of the
collector up to ard the mo er. The pile of clippings or
leaves ill fall almost directly belo the collector.
COMPOSTING
For those interested in composting their yard debris,
the easy-empty design of the bag ill be of great ser-
vice. It allo s you to gather your clippings in one
place ithout ever having to leave the drivers seat.
MULCHING - If your mo er is not equipped ith a
mulching attachment, you can still use your s eeper
to mulch. Simply empty the clippings into a pile, re-
cut the pile several times to get the reduced volume
desired. The valuable nutrients in these clippings can
either be returned to the soil by spreading the clip-
pings onto the la n; you may also add the clippings
to your composter.
BRUSHADJUSTMENTS
The s eeper brush has been cut at the factory to the most commonly used length. The length of brush, ho ever,
may be easily shortened if necessary by follo ing these procedures:
Turn the engine off and disconnect the spark plug wire.
 Then take a sharp pair of scissors and cut the bristles to the desired length. Be sure and cut the same amount off
all three brushes, cutting completely across the length of the brush. We recommend not cutting more than 1/2
inch at a time to avoid cutting the bristles too short.
 Check the performance of the S eeper brush after each 1/2 inch trim
BAG AND BRUSH REPLACEMENT
The bag is subject to deterioration and ear during normal usage. Inspect the bag periodically for tears, holes or
eak spots. Replace as needed. Replacement bags and brooms are available from your local S isher Mo er
dealer or call the factory at 800-222-8183.

16
Swisher Zero Turn Rider
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Belt housing with motor base removed
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Two speed pulley assembly
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